HPD: Missing boy found safe; suspect in custody

Four-year-old Michael Rangel was found safe this morning, shortly after an Amber Alert was issued. Police say his mother's boyfriend was taken into custody.

May 16, 2012 10:20:02 AM PDT

HOUSTON --

A scare is over and Amber Alert canceled after a missing 4-year-old was found safe, but several questions remain about his disappearance.

Police issued the Amber Alert for 4-year-old Michael Rangel just after 3am. They say he was taken from his mother's home on Robmore Street in north Houston Tuesday afternoon, allegedly by the mother's boyfriend, 39-year-old Jorge Gomez.

According to Houston police, Gomez took the boy because he was angry with the child's mother. He was reportedly in contact wth her, telling her that he would not return the child.

Michael was found a couple hours later along Avenue C at 65th Street on Houston's East End, which is about 15 to 20 miles away from where he was reported missing. The boy, along with Gomez, was found sitting on a couch in the middle of the street. It was a couch that was being thrown out by resident Mayra Gomez.

"I feel so bad for the little boy. I have kids, too, you know, and I feel bad," said Mayra. "Strange that they were on our couch outside."

Residents in the area where Michael and Gomez were found say they don't know the little boy or the man accused of taking him.

Gomez was taken into custody without incident and is now charged with kidnapping.

We'll continue to update you on Eyewitness News and abc13.com as additional details become available.